Derby County have parted company with their manager Colin Todd just three months after he replaced Jim Smith.

The club are second from bottom in the Premiership, three points away from safety, having won just five times this season.

No conversations have taken place with Fabrizio Ravanelli

Derby chief executive Keith Loring

"The decision made by the chairman and the board of directors was unanimous and Colin has been aware the chairman was not happy with the way things have been going," chief executive Keith Loring told the club's official website.

Todd was appointed Derby's assistant manager in October 2000 and a year later he replaced Smith.

For the 17 games that Todd was in charge, Derby lost 11 times.

Over the weekend there had been intense media speculation that the club were preparing to appoint striker Fabrizio Ravanelli.

But Loring denied talks had been held with the Italian.

"I want to make it absolutely clear no conversations have taken place with Fabrizio Ravanelli concerning a managerial or coaching position at Derby County," said Loring.

"Quite simply no discussions have taken place with anyone regarding Colin's replacement."

Ravanelli himself said he was shocked by the news of Todd's departure.

"I'm very sorry for Colin Todd because he's a nice person who's always been
very nice to me.

"He's had bad luck at Derby but that doesn't mean he will not have good luck
elsewhere."

Derby are due to hold a board meeting on Tuesday when they are expected to discuss Todd's successor.

In the interim, reserve team manager Billy McEwan is to take charge of the team as they prepare for Saturday's home game against Ipswich.

Derby said there had been no talks with Ravanelli

League Managers' Association vice-chairman Frank Clark criticised Derby for allowing Todd so little time to make his mark:
"Three months is absolutely ridiculous.

"They've given him no chance at all
and you have to wonder what they were thinking about giving him the job in the
first place.

"Colin was not a stranger at the club and the
people who appointed him should be taking a long hard look at themselves."

Clark also hoped Derby would not appoint Ravanelli.

"I find it
incredible he is even mentioned.

"He's got the name and glamorous image but he has absolutely no managerial or
coaching background."